Barrier in Bethlehem

Thursday, February 03, 2005 |

Israel will construct a two-mile section of the controversial security barrier near Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem. The Supreme Court rejected a Palestinian petition against the construction, saying Israel has the right to protect Jewish worshippers visiting the tomb of the Biblical matriarch. The petitioners said the barrier will cut off 35 Palestinian homes from Bethlehem. Legal obstacles have held up construction of the barrier, which aims to keep Palestinian suicide bombers out of the country. The wall near Rachel’s Tomb is meant to stop shooting attacks in an area that was one of the hottest flashpoints of fighting. Under the Oslo Accords, Israel retained control of Rachel’s Tomb.

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